"Just a day before the Chinese New Year celebrations, several quarters attempted to create unrest among the people, especially the Chinese community, by sensationalising two honest mistakes which they claimed showed disrespect to the community," he said in a statement today.

"One was the white ang-pau packet incident for which Petronas has already apologised, and the other, a technical error by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) in using the wrong zodiac animal," he said.

Petronas had clarified in a statement that the initial packet showcased a Chinese ink painting from the Petronas art collection, which depicts the welcoming of a new dawn and hopes for the new year.

The light coloured background, however, has been mistaken for white, which in Chinese culture is considered inauspicious.

The company had apologised for the mistake.

The other incident was triggered after the wrong zodiac animal was used in an advertisement by KPDNKK in a Chinese daily, where a rooster instead of the dog was shown. The ministry has since apologised and said it occurred due to a technical error.

"Both quarters have since apologised, but not before the issue was exploited to the extent that it was even highlighted in foreign newspapers," said Tee.

"We celebrate a host of festivities here, from Hari Raya to Deepavali, Chinese New Year, Christmas and many others. We try hard to understand and respect each other's cultures and our strong harmony and unity has seen us weather numerous challenges and obstacles," he added.